KEY POINTS:
Ever the strategist, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans opened the first real debate of the Tri-Nations decider when he picked a bench full of forwards for the Brisbane test.
His starting XV had five expected alterations from the combination belted 53-8 by the Springboks in their last outing, but it was on the reserves sheet where Deans started the mind games which will build as the week progresses.
The new Wallabies coach chose just two back reserves, Drew Mitchell and Brett Sheehan, but five substitute forwards for a test he expects may become a marathon slog. He added loose forward Richard Brown to the subs mix and included Adam Freier instead of Tatafu Polota Nau as the backup hooker.
Dan Vickerman, Luke Burgess and Berrick Barnes were all overlooked because of injury. There had been some hope Barnes would recover from a shoulder problem but his continued unavailability means captain Stirling Mortlock moves in a place with Ryan Cross picked at centre.
"We believe this game will be fast and physical, there will be a lot of running so that is why we have changed our replacement mix," Deans said.
The Wallabies and staff had moved on from the last test bashing, though it had taken a while to overcome the mental and physical anguish.
"It was not one of the most invigorating experiences," a wry Deans said of the Johannesburg blowout. "We got belted and then had to travel for two days and all that lingered for a while, though it has disappeared now.
"It has been a great Tri-Nations and a tough tournament when you see the World Cup champions at the bottom of the table. The results have been all over the place but there has been some great rugby and it has been a great competition. Now two of us have a chance to grab the title."
Both sides trained in warm conditions yesterday in Brisbane.
Deans was not sure how the All Blacks would react to the change of position for Mortlock and was even more cagey when asked whether it would suit the Wallabies more if they could use their skipper's strong running to tie up a number of defenders, including rival skipper Richie McCaw.
"I'm sure the All Blacks will be very thorough, they will make the adjustments they think they will need," was Deans' meagre offering.
"Everyone has got to step up in a game like this. Stirling is our captain, our leader and instigator and that is great."
This test would probably lie somewhere between Sydney and Auckland in terms of how it would pan out. It had the same framework of excited anticipation and it would be up to the players to fill in the gaps, Deans said.
The Wallabies were not going to concentrate exclusively on subduing McCaw and Daniel Carter, that would just produce problems somewhere else. If they were able to collectively contain the All Blacks then that would nullify the brilliance of a number of their players.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa/Neemia Tialata, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.
Australia
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, James Horwill, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Richard Brown, Brett Sheehan, Drew Mitchell.
